Leaders in Lasallian schools, whether Presidents, Principals, second-line administrators, trustees, or others in leadership positions, have the unique privilege and challenge of carrying the Lasallian mission forward in very concrete ways through very specific circumstances. With that responsibility comes an expectation of a deeper understanding of Lasallian history, pedagogy, and spirituality.
Two major books that should be read are “Touching the Hearts of Students” and “The Work is Yours.” They provide foundational exposure to the roots of the Lasallian educational movement. From a more historical perspective in terms of pedagogy, the late 18th century essay on the 12 Virtues by Brother Agathon show the consistency of educational perspectives within our Lasallian tradition, while the book “John Baptist De La Salle: The Spirituality of Christian Education” collects the best of his writings in one place. The most significant recent publications from Rome on the topic of “Association” – Circular 461 and Bulletin 254 and – should be on any Lasallian leader’s reading list, at least in the long term.
Among videos that are available, those on “The Life of De La Salle” and “The Purpose of Lasallian Schools” are worth watching as ways of engaging in a reflective dialogue with your own experience. Do they resonate with your own experience? Is this what your school community looks like or reflects? Taking a look at new Lasallian video on the website every week will foster a greater sense of the Lasallian world.
Finally, it’s worthwhile checking out the District, Regional, and International Lasallian websites because they offer a continually changing array of activities, invitations, announcements, and informational tidbits, many of which are worth sharing with others in the school. Likewise, the extensive opportunities to participate in programs, institutes, and retreats are a rich treasure for both yourself and for the teachers confided to your care. For a more comprehensive list of resources, go to the RESOURCE CATALOGUE and check off the “LEADERS” box in the search options.
You will come to realize that the more you enter into the process of real learning (AKA “Formation”), the greater the opportunity to understand, engage in, and enjoy the Lasallian Catholic educational experience.
Touching the Hearts of Students: Characteristics of Lasallian Schools
A compact biography of John Baptist de La Salle is combined with an overview of the characteristics of his educational spirituality in modern contexts.
La Salle University Magazine (Special Issue)
This special issue from La Salle University, provided via PDF, is a fine compilation of articles and perspectives on Lasallian education and spirituality.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle: His Life and Spirituality
Pamphlet introducing St. John Baptist de La Salle and his educational legacy.
Study Guide – “Saint John Baptist de La Salle” Booklet
This guide accompanies the SFNO introductory booklet about De La Salle and his charism “John Baptist de La Salle: Founder, Educator, Saint.”
SFNO District Facts
Overview of the SFNO schools, personnel, demographics, religious backgrounds, etc. of the students and the administrative structure.
John Baptist de La Salle: The Spirituality of Christian Education
A solid introduction to how De La Salle integrated the Christian vocation of education of the poor into a coherent spirituality, highlighting sections of his various works.
Beyond Statues and Doors
A 14-minutes, engaging, contemporary overview of the life and influence of St. John Baptist de La Salle, visiting place in France and Rome.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
De La Salle in Myanmar/Burma
A 7-minute video that shows the work of the Brothers in Myanmar/Burma.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Lasallian Mission Overview
A video of the Lasallian mission on the West Coast of the United States, putting much information and many insights into a relatively short time space.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Inspiration
A short, compact, and rich video that reflects the breadth and depth of the Lasallian mission, both in the United States and around the world.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
www.delasalle.org
The San Francisco New Orleans District website, of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (AKA De La Salle Christian Brothers), providing both information, resources, and an overview of its composition and activities.
www.lasallian.info
The website for the Brothers of the Christian Schools (AKA De La Salle Christian Brothers) in the United States and Canada.
www.lasalle.org
The international website for the Brothers of the Christian Schools (AKA De La Salle Christian Brothers).
www.dlsfootsteps.org
A virtual pilgrimage of De La Salle’s personal vocation story that includes videos, text, photos, panoramic immersion, Google street maps, and more. In 2018, the site was completely redesigned and made responsive to small or large screens. New HD versions of the videos were also added. An accompanying, dynamically linked PDF booklet takes individuals and groups through the journey via narrative, video links, and formative questions.
Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies
A three-year set of two-week summer courses that focuses on the Lasallian founding story, De La Salle’s educational vision, and De La Salle’s spiritual vision. It seeks to deepen the participants’ association for Lasallian mission and provides a rich opportunity to meet and study with Lasallian from throughout the US/Canada Region and the world.
District Workshops and Retreats (SFNO)
Workshops, retreats, and meetings of common-interest groups within the San Francisco New Orleans (SFNO) District.
Advanced Degrees in Lasallian Studies
Formal studies in Lasallian studies are available at both Saint Mary’s University and Saint Mary’s College of California. (Link through each institution’s name.)
Lasallian Research Symposium
An annual gathering of Lasallian college and university scholars in Minneapolis, sponsored by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
The Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher
This is a small booklet providing a classic reflection on 12 Virtues for a Good Teacher that St. John Baptist de La Salle listed in one of his texts. Brother Agathon’s exposition on each virtue has endures through the centuries and remains very relevant even today.
Note: A PDF version is also available online at THIS LINK.
The Formation of New Teachers
This booklet addresses the duties, qualities, and responsibilities of those involved in Lasallian formation. The insights and suggestions that it provides enable teachers to grow as ministers of grace within the Lasallian heritage.